VENICE, ITALY
Venice has long been a hub of cultural and artistic exploration, and this year the city will once again host the Venice Architecture Biennale, one of the world’s leading platforms for architectural innovation. Held every other year, this prestigious event alternates with the Art Biennale, so in odd-numbered years, the focus shifts to architecture. From 10 May to 23 Nov 2025, Venice will transform into a living laboratory, delving into critical themes of climate change, sustainability, and the evolving relationship between nature and technology.
The 2025 theme, Intelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective. will bring together more than 750 participants, from architects and engineers to philosophers, artists, and designers to present groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable future.
Though not part of the Architecture Biennale, Lorenzo Quinn’s iconic Support sculpture, featured during the 2017 Venice Biennale, powerfully complements these themes. Rising from the Grand Canal, Quinn’s monumental hands cradling the historic Ca’ Sagredo Hotel served as a reminder of architecture’s role in preserving both our environment and cultural heritage.
If you’re planning a visit to Venice, be sure to experience the Biennale season, where you can immerse yourself in the creative work of the world’s most visionary minds.
WORDS BETH POPPY ERSKINE
You can visit Venice on MSC Cruise’s seven-night Mediterranean cruise, departing Venice (Marghera) on 14 September 2025. Other cruise lines that visit Venice include Princess, NCL, Cunard and Viking.
+ Turn to page 62 for more Mediterranean sailings
